CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

Across

1. Now this is a shaky sort of sail … (4)

3. … then a number got a breeze, got in front, then faded (8)

9. Removed baits from the linen baskets for pooches to live in (7) 10. Airs the piano? (5)

11. You need to be patient in these places (7,5)

14. South African bridge player was in the spy organisation (3)

16. The name of the French sun god from Cambridge (5)

17. Penniless and has nothing (3) 18. Does she stop traffic outside school with sweets (8,4)

21. This country has the highest population (5)

22. It is no ant from a Costa Rican Island (7)

23. Dries bed out for budgie sustenance (8)

24. Lookout from the top, we hear (4)

Down

1. Eels, Kiwi, it’s all the same to me (8)

2. Mushrooms are a bit of a laugh to the American soldier (5)

4. Not to be (3)

5. A patron & a link to the area of scenic beauty (8,4)

6. He works on the high wire and underground (7)

7. Party is quiet about the money (4) 8. Cures article goes around again (12)

12. Take hold of a snake from King George (5)

13. Listen to again and be one of the defenders so to speak (8)

15. Tennis players lob, Bertie, demonstrated to make you drool (7) 19. Not 4 (5)

20. Ticket remains for the Saturday bath (4)

22. Call unbidden entry initially (3)

Yesterday

Across: 1. Itchy palms, 9. Perturb, 10. Cabin, 11. Edges, 12. Assure, 14. Rapids, 16. Caller, 19. Tremor, 21. Mamba, 24. Ahead, 25. Scratch, 26. Churchyard.

Down: 2. Trussed, 3. Hubcap, 4. Packs, 5. Liberal, 6. Song, 7. Appears, 8. Brag, 13. Breathe, 15. Parvenu, 17. Admirer, 18. Frisky, 20. Medic, 22. Moth, 23. Talc.